The Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only place in the world where anyone can search for diamonds. Located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, this park offers a unique opportunity for treasure hunters. There are three well-known methods for searching for diamonds: surface searching, dry sifting, and wet sifting. The more you learn about each method, the more exciting your experience at this unique public diamond mine will be.

Surface Searching

Step 1: Choose a small area of land to search.

Step 1

Step 2: Carefully examine the top layer of soil.

Step 2

Carefully examine the top layer of soil. Diamonds sometimes lie on the surface, as rain or wind can expose layers beneath which they may be found. Do not disturb or remove anything from the surface without first examining it.

Step 3: Look for diamonds under rocks and clumps of soil.

Step 3

Dry Sifting

Step 1: Select an area of land with loose, dry soil.

Step 1

Step 2: Place two handfuls of dry soil into the sieve.

Step 2

Step 3: Sift the soil with quick motions so that the sifted soil collects in one pile.

Step 3

Step 4: Search for diamonds among the remaining stones in the sieve.

Step 4

Wet Sifting

Step 1: Fill a bucket with soil from your chosen diamond search area.

Step 1

Take the bucket filled with soil to the designated washing pavilion in the park.

Step 2: Pour some of the soil into the washing tray, forming a mound.

Step 2

Step 3: Submerge the tray in water and sift through the loose soil.

Step 3

Step 4: Remove anything larger than 6 mm from the tray.

Step 4

Step 5: Hold the tray with both hands and lower it into the water about 3-4 cm.

Step 5

Step 6: Move the tray back and forth in the water.

Step 6

Move the tray back and forth in the water. This will help the water gather smaller stones to the center of the tray.

Step 7: Adjust the height of the tray by placing your hand underneath it.

Step 7

Adjust the height of the tray by placing your hand underneath it. Submerge it in the water and then take it out again.

Step 8: Turn the tray a quarter turn.

Step 8

Step 9: Repeat steps 6-8 ten times.

Step 9

Repeat steps 6-8 ten times. Move the tray back and forth, submerge it, take it out of the water, and turn it!

Step 10: Lower the tray into the water one last time to let the remaining stones spread across the surface.

Step 10

Step 11: Remove the tray from the water.

Step 11

Take the tray out of the water and let the remaining water drain.

Step 12: Flip the tray over on a flat surface.

Step 12

Step 13: Spread out the pile and search for diamonds among the stones.

Step 13